NATALIE KATES: Where are you from and are you formally trained as an artist?

JAYSON KEELING: I was born in Brooklyn, NY. Yes, I am formally trained and I have been trying to unlearn everything I learned.

NK: How is your ethnicity reflected in your artwork?

JK: The intensity of my work is a reflection of my ethnicity.

NK: Your works consist of photography, sculpture, video and mixed media. Is there a common thread between these different mediums?

JK: The common thread is light. I consider it my primary art making tool.

NK: You started your early creative career as a fashion photographer. How is the fashion world different from the art world?

JK: In recent years they have become practically indistinguishable.

NK: If you could trade one of your glitter pieces with another living artist who would that be and why?

JK: I would trade anything for a Whitfield Lovell charcoal on wood drawing (preferably a soldier). I would also love a print from Rashid Johnson, The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Thurgood), a Matthew Day Jackson portrait of Harriet Tubman or a ceramic work by Sterling Ruby.

NK: A lot of your art references music, which are some of your favorite musicians?